RIBA Stage 0: Strategic Definition / Inception

This workstage was introduced into the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 and has been incorporated to ensure that the Business Case for the project is properly considered and a Strategic Brief developed.

It involves:

• Identifying the Client’s Business Case (if appropriate)
• Developing the Strategic Brief
• Considering the Project Programme
• Reviewing Feedback from previous projects
• Review project risks and constraints
• Review Project Budget
• Preparing and agreeing the scope of work and the appointment
• Undertake Site Appraisals

For many project cost may not be the key factor but it is always an important one for the Client, Architect and Consultant team.  Value is always a key determining factor of success and designers have a duty to understand what represents value to their Clients and then to deliver this through well executed and well considered work. Value can only be determined through dialogue with the Client to understand their need;, whether it is a house extension, new dwelling, an office, school, hospital or some form of building enclosure or built intervention.

It can be argued that even a house extension has a Business Case: a homeowner seeking more space has the option of moving house as an alternative; but with current levels of agent’s fees, stamp duties and other moving costs this is unlikely to be a cheaper alternative. This should be considered against the amount of space available and the quality of space attainable.

Sometimes, the Client’s needs may be best met not by building or extending but by reconfiguration of the space available, refurbishment, space planning [reconfiguring the space available]; or by some other means.

Where consideration of a project brief goes beyond a 15 minute conversation; or where you are asking for advice and opinions on what you can do and achieve with your project, you should always expect to pay a fee for your Architects time and advice.  What you are paying for is the experience and knowledge that a professionally qualified Architect will bring to your project. A good Architect will always tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.